The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is hoping to send hundreds of kids to camp that otherwise may not be able to afford the opportunity.
The organization is aiming to raise $100,000 across the region through this year's Fill The Bus CAMPaign, presented by Mainstreet Credit Union.
That would be enough to fill 20 school buses each with 33 kids that will experience a week of camp adventures.
An exciting part of the fundraiser is coming up on Friday at Sarnia's Jerry McCaw Family Centre, where the Push The Bus competition will be held.
General Manager Paul Skuza said teams of up to six people will be competing to see who can move a school bus the furthest distance.
"We have some teams coming out to have some friendly competition," he said. "Firefighters, police, paramedics, and teachers will be there. The YMCA and Mainstreet Credit Union will also have teams. We're all just going to compete against each other."
Skuza said teams can sign up for this year's event up until Thursday, and it costs $150.
He said there are many benefits to a child taking part in camp.
"We want to get as many kids to camp as possible," said Skuza. "We know all the benefits of kids being outside, working on social skills and being with friends. We know that was kind of interrupted a little bit for the past couple of years. So, we're back to full out camp this year, and we're looking forward to sending as many kids as we can."
The first annual Push The Bus event was held in 2022. At the time, eight teams helped push a school bus through the parking lot to wrap up the campaign, which raised a total of $12,363. That money sponsored 82 kids for a week of camp, more than double 2019's total.
For more information, or if you’d like to register or donate, stop by the branch at 1015 Finch Drive, check the JMFC Facebook page, or visit www.ymcaswo.ca/fill-bus.